Eight Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure To Follow For A Healthier Life

Blood pressure is one condition that should not be taken lightly. As silent water runs deep, so is having an abnormally high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or medically known as, Hypertension, can be asymptomatic to some people. This means that a significant number of people world-wide do not know that they have one. Signs and symptoms only appear as the level of blood pressure reaches on its dangerous or alarming stage. Even worse, hypertension is only discovered when complications especially stroke start to manifest suddenly and unexpectedly. Once diagnosed with hypertension, you are vulnerable to other serious health complications like heart attack, kidney damage and many others. Conventional treatment for high blood pressure can be expensive. However, there are 8 natural remedies for high blood pressure that can help bring your blood pressure to a healthy and desirable condition.

Please remember to follow consistently and patiently the following steps:

1. Avoid foods rich in bad fats and cholesterol. To have a healthy blood pressure, indulging the bad ones is a big no-no! The more you eat of these bad stuffs, you will likely to have a condition called atherosclerosis, which the build-up of fat and plaques on the arterial walls. As the blood vessels become clogged up, circulation slows down. The heart then is forced to pump harder to bring circulation in proper order. This unnecessary effort by the heart causes too much force raising the blood pressure beyond the normal limits.

2. Eat low sodium foods. Sodium is an important element needed by the body. However, too much of it can prove costly to one’s heart. Sodium has a fluid-retention attributes. The more sodium present in the bloodstream, this attracts water from the cells towards the blood vessels. This increase in blood volume pressures the heart to work harder in an effort to bring this extra amount of fluids to be circulated around the body. Sodium also causes smaller arteries called arterioles to constrict. These dual effects of sodium both contribute to increased blood pressure.

3. Kick the habit. Smoking is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. In fact letting go of this harmful habit for good is considered to be one of the best natural remedies for high blood pressure. The risk of being diagnosed of having Hypertension is dramatically reduced to more than 50% when smoking is eliminated as part of your daily living. Tobacco, which is the main ingredient of all cigarettes, contains nicotine. As nicotine enters the bloodstream, this causes the arteries to constrict. A narrowed artery makes blood flow slower, thus, triggering the heart muscles to pump harder and faster in an effort to bring circulation in a correct pace.

4. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol raises blood pressure. It affects hormones that maintain normal blood pressure. Alcohol also contains high amount of calories. Calories that cannot be used for metabolism are converted into fats. These are deposited on the subcutaneous area of the abdomen, in the liver and in the blood vessels as well.

5. Eat potassium rich foods. Potassium is an important mineral for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. The exact mechanism of action on how it lowers blood pressure is still unknown, but researchers discover that potassium dilates the arteries.  

6. Be Active. Light to moderate exercises for 30 minutes at 5 days a week can boost up levels of HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) or “good cholesterol” in the blood. These good guys remove deposits of LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) or “bad cholesterol” from the blood vessels. For intense work-outs like resistance training and aerobic exercises, at least 20 minutes thrice weekly will do. When lifting weights, never hold your breath during exertion, this will dramatically increase blood pressure. The proper way is to breathe out while exerting. Remember to consult your physician before performing any intense exercises especially those who have hypertension already. If going to the gym, or going outdoors to jog or hike, or doing some flashy aerobic exercises do not suit you, simply do some household chores, or instead of using the elevator, try walking up the stairs, or talk a walk when going to an approximate destination.

7. Relax and Meditate. Chronic stress activates the “Fight or Fight response” of the body. The hormones secreted during this stage make the heart beat faster and heavier than normal.  Relaxation techniques, meditation, biofeedback and even a hearty, good conversation can reduce stress at a significant level.

8. Eat plenty of deep-sea fishes, grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich, natural sources of vitamins, minerals, good fats, fibers and anti-oxidants that help maintain blood pressure. Vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants protect the integrity of blood vessels, promote vasodilation, and along with good fats, clean up the arteries from fat deposits. Excellent sources of good fats are deep-sea fishes like sardines, mackerel, tuna and salmon. These underwater wonders are packed with Omega-3. Nuts like almonds, cashews nuts and almonds, as well as olive oil and canola oil, are abundant in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and are low in saturated fats. Fibers, which are also found in rye, barley and oats, act as natural absorbent of harmful fats and cholesterol that prevents the absorption of these non-beneficial lipids to be circulated on the blood. Garlic is a natural remedy against hypertension as well. Eating single raw of clove a day is enough. You can also take garlic supplements if desired.

If you have already have hypertension, or at risk of having one, or if you want to maintain a normal blood pressure, these natural remedies for high blood pressure can cut back the risk at a hundred-hold, and help you achieve a happy and healthier heart. However, if there are no positive changes or complications do persist, please seek medical advice with your physician.